Prayer
Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
Introduction Video
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.– Philippians 1:12-21
The Gospel Progressed Inside Prison
Paul rejoiced because his imprisonment caused the gospel to be known by the palace guard and everyone else around him. In discouraging or unproductive seasons of life, where do you look for evidence that God is at work in your uncomfortable or unjust circumstances?
In the sermon, Pastor Morgan shared about his friend Shanmam, who was imprisoned for pastoring a church in Iran. Do you know anyone who has been persecuted for their Christian faith in big or small ways? How have stories like Shanam’s impacted you?
The Gospel Progressed Outside Prison
Paul blesses and gives thanks for people who preach the gospel out of goodwill and people who preach the gospel hoping to bring greater harm on Paul. Above all else, Paul’s hope and goal was to see and hear the good news about Jesus proclaimed.
When did you first hear the gospel? How and where has God given you opportunities to share the gospel with others?
What kinds of things distract you from noticing if the people around you are aware of God’s love for them? What practices or perspectives help you prioritize God’s truth in your behavior and treatment of others?
The Gospel Progressed Within Paul
In the sermon we learned that when Paul says, “it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ,” he means that the chains binding him to Christ internally can now be seen externally.
When you consider Paul’s dramatic conversion from persecuting Christians to following Christ (Acts 9:1-22), what external changes did his inward conversion require of him?
Would you describe your faith as being bound to Christ? If so, can you describe that in greater detail? If not, how would you describe your internal connection to God?
Are there any “chains” that have caused the gospel to progress within you?
Closing Thought
“If there is anywhere on earth a lover of God who is always kept safe, I know nothing of it, for it was not shown to me. But this was shown: that in falling and rising again we are always kept in that same precious love.”
– Julian of Norwich
In your final moments together, consider the quote above and spend some time praying for the gospel to progress in and through your lives.